Villarreal CF faced off against CA Osasuna on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in a thrilling encounter at El Madrigal Stadium that ended with Villarreal emerging victorious with a score of 4-2. The match showcased the attacking prowess of both teams, but it was Villarreal who ultimately secured the crucial three points in their quest for a UEFA Champions League berth.
The Yellow Submarine started strong, with Ayoze Pérez opening the scoring in just the second minute of the match. He found the back of the net with a precise left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Dani Parejo. Villarreal continued to press and doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when Thierno Barry scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. Nicolas Pépé played a vital role in the buildup, providing the through ball that set up the goal.
As the first half progressed, Villarreal maintained their momentum, and Pérez struck again in the 39th minute, bringing the score to 3-0 with another well-placed shot. Osasuna, however, was not going to back down easily. They managed to pull one back in the 66th minute through Rubén García, who scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the box after a well-executed assist from Ante Budimir.
The match took a dramatic turn when Osasuna was awarded a penalty in the 77th minute after a foul by Sergi Cardona in the penalty area. Aimar Oroz stepped up to take the penalty and converted it successfully in the 81st minute, narrowing the gap to 4-2. Despite Osasuna's efforts, Villarreal held firm in the closing stages of the match.
Villarreal's victory marked their fifth unbeaten result in the last six league matches, solidifying their position as serious contenders for a top-five finish in La Liga. With this win, they climbed to fifth place with 55 points from 33 matches, just one point ahead of their nearest rivals, Real Betis.
Osasuna, on the other hand, remains in contention for a European spot, sitting in eighth place with 44 points. They have shown resilience throughout the season, going unbeaten in their last five matches prior to this encounter, including three consecutive wins. However, their away form has been a concern, having failed to win in 10 of their last 11 away league games.
The match was highly competitive, featuring several yellow cards as both teams battled fiercely for control. Villarreal's Álex Baena, Tajon Buchanan, and Santi Comesaña all received yellow cards, while Aimar Oroz from Osasuna was also cautioned in the final minutes of the game.
Villarreal's attacking prowess has been evident throughout the season, as they have netted a total of 56 goals in 33 rounds, boasting the third-best attacking record in La Liga. Their ability to score early and maintain pressure has been a key factor in their recent successes. Additionally, Villarreal has not lost to Osasuna in their last five head-to-head meetings, which includes three wins and two draws.
Looking ahead, Villarreal will need to continue their strong home form as they fight for a Champions League spot. With five rounds remaining in the season, every match counts, and the competition for European qualification is fierce. Osasuna will also need to regroup quickly as they aim to secure their own place in European competition.
In conclusion, Villarreal's 4-2 victory over Osasuna not only highlights their attacking capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of consistency in their pursuit of a top-five finish. As the season approaches its climax, fans can expect thrilling matches as teams vie for their spots in European football.
